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Article - Blue Walks 75

Region 2 IPA Hiking Weekend By Alice Armstrong

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2025

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On Friday 2nd May 2025 a number of keen IPA members arrived at Rostrevor Mountain Lodge. The Hiking Weekend was planned as part of the IPA Blue Walks, to encourage IPA members to get out and walk with friends, family and colleagues.

T he original plan was somewhat thwarted. Tollymore National Outdoor Centre had been booked since the previous May but unfortunately due to storm damage was still not open. Other accommodation was needed but, close to the time of event it was hard to get anywhere for the sixteen people who wanted to stay over. Jennifer, at Rostrevor Mountain Lodge, was wholly accommodating and not only offered us the Friday night (as Saturday was booked out) but was able to put on a BBQ for us and offer us the chance to use the “Revive” Spa as part of the experience. Friday night was very chilled out. The BBQ was top notch and there was an abundance of food. People arrived from not only No. 2 Region / Northern Ireland, but we had visitors from down south and over the water too. The jacuzzi – cold pool – bucket – sauna (in that order) were very much used and appreciated too before getting a very comfortable night’s sleep. The walk on Saturday was up Slieve Martin. Slieve Martin lies at a height of 485 metres high, straight up from sea level. It boasts beautiful views of Carlingford Lough and the Cooley Mountains beyond. It rises from Kilbroney Forest park which is so beautiful it is no surprise it was the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ wonderful world of Narnia.

POLICE WORLD Vol 70 No.3, 2025

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